U.S. State Department Maintains Level 3 Travel Advisory for Trinidad and Tobago: Reconsider Travel Due to Crime, Health,

Current rules

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Trinidad and Tobago due to crime, health, and terrorism. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) declared a new nationwide State of Emergency (SOE) on 2 March 2026, granting the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and Defence Force powers to arrest on suspicion, search properties, and suspend bail for suspected criminals. There are no current curfews or restrictions on public gatherings, but these may change with little notice. U.S. government employees in Trinidad and Tobago are restricted from travelling to specific areas in Port of Spain, including Laventille, the southern end of Charlotte Street (between Oxford Street and Park Street), Piccadilly Street, Besson Street, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah at any time, and Port of Spain Beaches, Downtown Port of Spain, Fort George, and Queen’s Park Savannah at night. There is also a risk of terrorist violence and limited healthcare in rural areas of both Trinidad and Tobago.

Overview

The U.S. State Department has kept Trinidad and Tobago at a Level 3 Travel Advisory, recommending citizens reconsider travel. This decision comes after the Government of Trinidad and Tobago declared a nationwide State of Emergency on 2 March 2026. The SOE provides law enforcement with increased powers, including arrests on suspicion, property searches, and the suspension of bail for those suspected of crimes, aiming to address a rise in violent criminal activity.

What changed in the latest version

This updated travel advisory shows that the risks for Trinidad and Tobago are now higher. This affects U.S. citizens and government staff especially. Travellers must now consider the police's wider powers under the State of Emergency. These powers could lead to arrests or searches without warning. Bail can also be stopped for certain crimes. Also, the clear warnings about terrorism and limited healthcare in rural areas mean people need to plan more carefully. This might include getting full medical insurance. They may also need to change their travel plans to avoid banned areas. This is especially true for U.S. government employees.

Explained simply

Imagine you're planning a trip to a country, but the grown-ups (the U.S. government) are telling you to think very carefully before going. That's what's happening with Trinidad and Tobago. They're saying, 'Reconsider travel' because there's a lot of crime, some health worries, and even a risk of bad things like terrorism. The local government there has also just announced a 'State of Emergency' because crime is getting worse. This means the police and military have extra powers – they can arrest people more easily and search places. So, if you go, you need to be extra careful, especially in certain parts of cities, and remember that things can change really quickly.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v62Effective 2 Mar 2026EffectiveHigh impact
   U.S. State Department Maintains Level 3 Travel Advisory for Trinidad and Tobago: Reconsider Travel Due to Crime, Health, and Terrorism; New Nationwide State of Emergency Declared

   The U.S. State Department recommends people rethink travel to Trinidad and Tobago. This is because of concerns about crime, health, and terrorism. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago declared a new nationwide State of Emergency on 2 March 2026. This gives police and defence forces more power to arrest and search. It also stops bail for people suspected of crimes. There are no curfews or limits on public gatherings right now. But these could start with little warning. U.S. government employees have specific travel limits in Port of Spain. Travellers should know that healthcare facilities are limited in rural areas.